Ramadan Observances Adapt to COVID-19 Restrictions in France

While it could begin on April 24, the month of Ramadan will have to take place in France in compliance with the health measures dictated by the government, says the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM). For the CFCM, the practice of fasting is intrinsically dependent on each individual, wherever they are. "This practice is therefore not directly affected by the current pandemic context. Those who meet the conditions for fasting and are able to observe it can do so as usual," the religious body affirms.

Certainly the fast will not be disrupted, but traditions, particularly family gatherings, could be affected. "In the past, many mosques and charitable associations organized iftars and shared them with the less fortunate and with our friends of all faiths. It is very likely that these meals will not be able to take place this year in their usual formats," the CFCM specifies. However, the council intends to distribute meals in keeping with the spirit of the month of Ramadan.

In the context of covid-19, mosques will remain closed; which breaks with traditional practice. Faced with this situation, the CFCM urges the faithful to pray at home, until further notice, because "it is the only responsible and consistent attitude with the principles and values of our religion in this epidemic context". The religious organization also encourages families to perform the obligatory daily prayers as well as the tarawih in group.